Founded as a spin-off from the Surface Nanoengineering Laboratory at the University of Tehran, Zhikan represents a successful example of academic knowledge commercialization. By combining surface science, nanotechnology, and engineering design, the company has developed practical tools for universities, research centers, and industrial laboratories.

To date, Zhikan has designed and manufactured a range of laboratory instruments, some of which were developed for the first time in Iran. These include the world’s first system for measuring shear stress between ice and solid surfaces, Iran’s first instruments for measuring contact angle, surface tension, and surface energy, as well as equipment such as thermoelectric mini-chillers, dip coaters, and syringe pumps. These systems are currently in use at numerous leading research institutions, including the University of Tehran, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tarbiat Modares University, Sharif University of Technology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, and the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute.
 

Among Zhikan’s flagship products is its automated contact angle measurement system, which holds a registered patent for its ability to rotate the camera around the sample. This design enables highly accurate calculation of the droplet–surface contact line and has earned the distinction of being the first laboratory instrument in Iran to receive official nanoscale certification.

In addition, Zhikan holds a U.S. patent for the world’s first icephobic surface testing system, a technology with applications spanning aviation, energy infrastructure, and cold-climate engineering.
 

The origins of these innovations date back to 2014, when a University of Tehran professor proposed the idea of developing a domestic contact angle measurement device after returning from Canada. According to Amir Bahraini, a board member of Zhikan, a young academic team initiated development shortly thereafter. After three years of R&D, the first commercial product entered the market in 2017. Subsequent generations were continuously improved, culminating in the development of a new AI-enabled version in 2024, which reached full commercialization and received nanoscale certification in 2025.

The system operates on principles of surface science, where the contact angle serves as a key indicator of how a surface interacts with liquids, determining whether it is hydrophilic or hydrophobic. This parameter is critical across industries such as coatings, automotive manufacturing, oil and gas, biomaterials, medical devices, and textiles. Zhikan’s competitive advantage lies in translating nanoscale understanding of this phenomenon into reliable research and industrial tools.
 

A major differentiator of Zhikan’s contact angle system is its use of artificial intelligence in image processing. Traditional methods often rely on manual identification of the droplet boundary, which introduces operator-dependent error. In contrast, Zhikan’s AI module automatically detects the surface boundary and calculates the contact angle with high precision, significantly improving repeatability and data reliability.

The system’s modular design further enhances its value, allowing existing devices to be upgraded, repaired, or retrofitted with AI modules. This approach reduces user costs and extends product life cycles, offering a clear competitive advantage over many imported systems that are typically closed and non-upgradeable.
 

Zhikan’s instruments are offered at one-half to one-third of the price of comparable foreign brands, while delivering similar performance and quality. This localization effort has already generated an estimated USD 2.5 million in foreign-currency savings for the country. With the initiation of exports, the company expects this figure to grow significantly.

By participating in the Iran-Made Exhibition, Zhikan aims to present not only its products but also its broader development trajectory. The company’s experience highlights how sustained investment in academic research can translate into market-ready technologies, competitive products, and long-term industrial value, extending well beyond scientific publications alone.